Vision Loss Strategies

Home
United States
Virginia Beach, VA
Vision Loss Strategies

A trusted low vision specialist committed to providing hope and independence for the visually impaired. Your visual impairment diagnosis is not the end.

Vision Loss Strategies is the low vision resource provider that you need to help you gain back a life you can enjoy. Instead, it’s a chance to redefine the way you live your life. After watching the videos (or webinars) on our website, please feel free to contact us with any further questions, and we can discuss how to best serve you!

10/29/2021

Believe you can and you're halfway there. 💛

Photo description: Young man and an older visually impaired man with a white cane walking in a park with text that reads, “Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence. -Helen Keller.”

10/25/2021

It is likely that we all have experienced some discomfort from light. It may have stemmed from excessive screen time, or leaving a darkened room and walking straight into the bright sunshine.

This light sensitivity is often referred to as photophobia, and for many, it can go away quickly. But for others, photophobia can be a persistent symptom of a diagnosed medical condition such as migraine, conjunctivitis, or dry eye.

The cases vary from mild to severe, and some conditions that cause sensitivity to light are considered medical emergencies, such as a corneal abrasion, encephalitis, meningitis, and a subarachnoid hemorrhage.

If you or a loved one is experiencing severe light sensitivity, contact your doctor immediately to perform a physical examination and a comprehensive eye examination to determine the cause.

Photo description: Photo of people walking across the street in a city with the bright light of sun causing a glare as it shines between the buildings. Below the image is text that reads, “Limit sun glare to help with vision”

10/22/2021

Caring for your eyes is a year-round commitment. A little prevention and TLC can go a long way between your annual exams. Here are a few daily eye health reminders to help you protect your eyes for years to come 👆

Photo description: A checklist for eye health reminders including (1) Get enough sleep. (2) Use protective eyewear. (3) Avoid excessive screen time. (4) Consult an eye doctor regularly. (5) Give yourself blinking breaks.

10/18/2021

October is blindness awareness month, and a month to bring a heightened focus on the blind and visually impaired community, and the realization of living without sight.

It is estimated that 2.2 billion people around the globe suffer from some form of visual impairment or blindness, and we dedicate this month to educating, inspiring, and advocating for the visually impaired.

Between teaching the public about good eye health, sharing stories about the incredible things visually impaired individuals are accomplishing, to organizations garnering support for more resources, research, and laws that enable people with visual impairments to live an independent life, there is surely no shortage of ways we can learn about, celebrate, and support the visually impaired community.

Photo description: A man reading braille with text in a faded white circle that reads, “October is Blindness Awareness Month.”

10/15/2021

If you are suffering from low vision, and having difficulty seeing at certain times and certain circumstances, you may want to consider the lighting. Changing the lighting in your home or office can make a significant difference, and positively impact your functional vision.

Check out https://visionlossstrategies.com/webinars-content/ to watch our informative webinar on how lighting can help with vision, and a few key strategies to help you see better!

Photo description: Photo of someone changing their lightbulb.

10/11/2021

Nutrition is essential for overall health, and sometimes when we need a little boost to our diets, we can supplement them with a variety of different vitamins and minerals – especially if we are experiencing a medical condition. Age-related macular degeneration is no different, however, it’s important to find the RIGHT vitamins, since many are marketed for eye health, yet only a few have formulas that are proven effective.

When you have age-related macular degeneration, most doctors recommend that you take an AREDS2 formula vitamin. This formula was the result of the Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2 which showed that it’s possible to reduce the risk of progression of AMD.

It’s important to take the AREDS2 vitamins if your ophthalmologist recommends them, in order to decrease the risk of vision loss from AMD.

Photo description: The abbreviation for age-related macular degeneration, AMD, is displayed in the foreground, in front of a stethoscope and visual acuity test on blurry background.

10/08/2021

Eye conditions and eye diseases become more prevalent as we age and they can cause low vision and affect the quality of life. Common age-related eye conditions include glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, and diabetic retinopathy, to name a few.

Although we may be at higher risk of these conditions as we age, many can be prevented or even corrected. Aside from attending your regular comprehensive eye exams, it’s important to:

🥬 Eat a well-balanced diet, high in antioxidants.
🏃🏽‍♂️ Exercise and maintain a healthy weight.
💤 Get an adequate amount of sleep.
🚭 Quit smoking.
🩺 See your family physician regularly to check for diseases that could cause low vision, like diabetes.
🕶 Wear sunglasses that block 100% of UV-A and UV-B rays, and wear and a broad-brimmed hat when outdoors.

Whether or not you have an age-related eye condition, these are a few simple things you can do to maintain good eye health. For more tips to protect your vision, check out https://bit.ly/3awrrMN!

Photo description: A happy older man smiling joyfully carrying his little grandson on his shoulders at the beach.

10/05/2021

Remember that courage is not the absence of fear, but the ability to continue on DESPITE your fears, no matter how overwhelming they might be. 💛

Photo description: Woman walking with her guide dog, with text that reads, “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts. -Winston Churchill”

10/01/2021

Glare is a common problem for individuals with low vision, and often makes outdoor activities more difficult. To ease the discomfort caused by glare and light sensitivity, aim to have the sun behind you when you are outdoors, as this will help minimize the sun’s interference with your vision.

To learn more tips on reducing glare, check out https://visionlossstrategies.com/webinars-content/ to watch our webinar. It could be just what you need to function and feel better in certain circumstances!

Photo description: Photo of people walking across the street in a city with the bright light of sun causing a glare as it shines between the buildings. Below the image is text that reads, “Limit sun glare to help with vision”

09/27/2021

September is National Guide Dog Month and a time to give thanks to all the dogs that provide support, protection, guidance, and companionship to the visually impaired. It is a time to raise awareness and appreciation of the working animal tasked with this vital job, and to remember the importance of guide dog etiquette to allow for the safety of the dog and its handler. Etiquette guidelines include:

🦮 Talking directly to the handler when saying hello, not the dog.
🦮 Asking for permission to pet or interact with the dog.
🦮 Giving the dog plenty of space.
🦮 Respecting the handlers privacy

Disregarding these guidelines can distract the dog, which can lead to a dangerous situation for both the dog and the handler.

Photo description: Guide dog helping handler walk downstairs outdoors.

09/24/2021

Maintaining a well-balanced diet, high in antioxidants is the key to preventing the development of serious eye conditions, and ensuring your eyes work their best.

Here are 6 of the best foods for optimal eye health that can be enjoyed on their own or incorporated into more complex recipes! ⬇️

EGGS 🥚 The yolks specifically contain Vitamin A, lutein, zeaxanthin, and zinc which all support healthy eyes and lower the chances of age-related macular degeneration and cataracts.

FISH 🐟 Loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, certain fish, such as salmon, tuna, and halibut can help prevent dry eyes, and contribute to visual development and the overall health of the retina.

DARK LEAFY GREENS 🥬 Spinach, kale, and collard greens are packed with lutein and zeaxanthin, and help protect against serious eye conditions such as age-related macular degeneration and cataracts.

ALMONDS 😋 Almonds contain vitamin E, which guards against unstable molecules that target healthy tissue. Vitamin E can reduce the risks of age-related macular degeneration and cataracts.

ORANGES 🍊 Citrus fruits contain vitamin C, which contributes to healthy blood vessels in your eyes and can help fight the development of cataracts.

CARROTS 🥕 Loaded with beta-carotene and vitamin A, carrots can help prevent eye infections and the development of other serious eye conditions.

Photo description: Graphic with a blue background with text that reads, “Best Food for Healthy Eyes”. Below the text, there is a graphic of a blue eye with muscles to show strength. Next to the eye, there are six circle graphics of food including, eggs, fish, spinach, almonds, an orange, and a carrot.

09/20/2021

Low vision affects all aspects of life, especially the ability to cook. At Vision Loss Strategies, we want to provide you with tips and tools to help you regain your independence. Some useful tips to help you work safely and confidently in the kitchen include:

🥑 Using items with color contrast, such as a black measuring cup for flour.
🍐 Limiting glare in the kitchen and food prep areas by adjusting the lighting and replacing shiny appliances and surfaces.
🥬 Using cooking utensils or knives with brightly colored handles.
🥕 Using colored cutting boards that contrast with the food being cut.

Reach out for more tips and strategies to use when cooking!

Photo description: A blue background with 8 containers filled with food. From top to bottom on the left, there is a container of almonds, a container of pretzels, and a container of strawberries. In the middle, there is a container of hard-boiled eggs, a cut-open avocado, and a container of hummus. Below that there is a container of 3 apples and a sliced pear. On the right, there is a container of celery, a container of blueberries, and a container of carrots.

09/16/2021

Technology has been shown to make a significant impact on the lives of visually impaired and blind individuals. Using virtual assistant technology developed by Amazon, their Alexa speaker is not only fully accessible for people with low vision but is fully equipped with built-in accessibility features that can help the visually impaired live safely and independently. Some Alexa features include:

🔈Finding out the date and time
🔈Setting alarms and reminders
🔈Adding things to your shopping or to-do list
🔈Checking the weather
🔈Getting the latest news
🔈Reading
🔈Searching and getting information
🔈Communication

Do you have an Alexa? If so, which features do you use the most?

Photo description: Photo of a room with a plant on the left and the Amazon Alexa sitting on a stool on the right.

09/13/2021

Believe in yourself and know that there is something inside of you that is greater than any obstacle. 💛

Photo description: Blind mother with a white cane (left) and her daughter (right) talking and sitting on a bench in the park and smiling.

09/10/2021

According to the VA Office of Blind Rehabilitation Services, “more than 1 million Veterans have low vision, and roughly 130,000 are legally blind. As the Veteran population continues to age, vision impairments such as macular degeneration will increase in prevalence.”

With age-related macular degeneration being the leading cause of vision loss in adults over the age of 60, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is encouraging all veterans to schedule their annual eye exam appointments. Although this condition cannot be cured, treatment can help slow down progression, and it’s important to discuss the options with a healthcare professional.

In fact, a collaborative study involving VA researchers discovered a group of HIV medications known as nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors that may even help prevent Age-Related Macular Degeneration.

To learn more about it, check out https://bit.ly/3tAiNFI

Photo description: Eye doctor (left) performing an eye exam on older man (right)

09/07/2021

If you have ever questioned why sometimes you can see better than other times, you might want to consider if the lighting is optimal for what you are doing. We have put together an informative webinar where we explain how changing your lighting or reducing glare can make a huge difference in how well you see. Check it out at https://visionlossstrategies.com/webinars-content/, or contact us to learn more!

Photo description: Photo of different light bulbs on a light blue background with text underneath that reads “how lighting can help with vision”.

08/27/2021

Do you experience eye strain? Do your eyes get tired when you are trying to read or do something? Is it possible that glare and poor contrasting of colors are the reasons you are having difficulty seeing?

If you or a loved one suffers from any of these symptoms, check out https://visionlossstrategies.com/webinars-content/ to watch our quick and informative webinar on reducing glare and improving contrasting. It might just be what you or your loved one need to function and feel better!

Photo description: Older man experiencing eye strain, rubbing his eyes and holding his glasses.

08/24/2021

At Vision Loss Strategies, we want to help the visually impaired live safely, efficiently, and independently, but it is important to ensure that your home has the proper accommodations for lifelong independence.

An important safety tip to help you live more independently is to add visual modifications such as color contrasting strips on stairs, or tangible cues such as non-slip mats, adhesive tread strips by stairs, and drop-offs.

Contact us today or check out https://visionlossstrategies.com/webinars-content/ to learn more tips to help you or a loved one live safely and achieve independence!

Photo description: A white background with a graphic of a caution sign and text that reads “Safety Tips for Low Vision. Add tangible cues such as non-slip mats, adhesive tread strips by stairs and drop-offs or add visual alterations such as color contrasting strips on stairs.”

Address

Virginia Beach, VA

Website

http://www.visionlossstrategies.com/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Vision Loss Strategies posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Practice

Send a message to Vision Loss Strategies:

Shortcuts

Want your practice to be the top-listed Clinic in Virginia Beach?